FCC’s Final Media, Phone Rules Due Soon
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WASHINGTON — Final versions of rules governing media ownership and local phone competition probably will be released Monday, FCC Chairman Michael K. Powell said Wednesday.
The Republican-controlled Federal Communications Commission eased decades-old restrictions on ownership of newspapers and television and radio stations June 2 with a 3-2 vote along party lines. But the GOP members split on phone competition rules Feb. 20, creating a 3-2 majority with the agency’s two Democrats for retaining rules that help rivals gain a share of local markets.
The release of phone competition rules is expected to trigger lawsuits from Baby Bells, which had a monopoly on local phone service, and action from some lawmakers who have vowed to fight the measures. Lawmakers also have vowed to introduce bills to counteract media ownership rules.
Powell dissented on phone competition rules and has prepared what sources say is a scathing dissent that not only shows his disagreement with the majority but paves the way for a court challenge.
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